Durban — The present state of the Silverglen Nature Reserve in Chatsworth was highlighted at an eThekwini full council meeting on Thursday.
The reserve, situated south of Durban, covers approximately 460 hectares. It was once one of the best, which saw many tourists taking advantage of its pristine beauty and lovely hiking trails, according to eThekwini DA councillor Tony Govender.
It was one of the largest “green lungs” along the Durban green belt.
Govender said that during the past three decades, not much effort was put into the sustainability of this area, which boasts a natural lake with many different bird species.
“The neglect of this nature reserve will surely have a negative result, due to the lack of visitors and tourists who are too scared (to visit it) because of the many murders that were committed, not forgetting the two nature reserve rangers who were sadly ambushed and killed,” Govender said.
He said criminals were now using the nature reserve as a springboard to attack and rob unsuspecting residents living on the periphery of the nature reserve, which is becoming a great concern within the community.
Govender was concerned about the lack of proper maintenance of the road and fencing. He said the neighbouring residential area of Silverglen was experiencing high levels of crime which residents blamed on a lack of security and thick bush near their homes alongside the reserve.
Govender wanted the reserve to be maintained and revived to attract visitors and it placed on the international map to enhance tourism.
He wanted to know why the reserve was receiving a low budget, when new rangers would be allocated, and what the outcome was after discussions on introducing some of the Big Five animals to the reserve.
In response, Parks Recreation and Culture Unit head Dr Sphiwe Ndlovu said the capital budget was affected by constraints within the city. He added that budget constraints have been affecting the whole of the municipality since the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Ndlovu said Silverglen is too small to accommodate the Big Five. Clearing for 10 metres alongside fences was done regularly to prevent fires from crossing to private properties.
“There will be people on responsibility allowance to assist with patrols, while regular patrols have been taken by rangers from other reserves.
“Silverglen is the jewel of the city. Plans are in place to revive it to make it the best tourist attraction in the city,” Ndlovu said.
Daily News